2. It is very difficult for us to study the Etruscans
for many different reasons. But in order to study
them in a concise and better way, we will study
them by following the criteria below:
CultureSocietyOrigin & History
3. Lostinpre-history, rediscovered byscience.
Etruscans belong to pre-
history, because their
language is far from being
understood. It is practically
unknown.
Ancient historians had many
theories explaining where
Etruscans came from.
Herodotus claimed that they
had come from Asia Minor.
With use of DNA studies, it
has been proved that a
certain percentage matches
the DNA of Near East
people.
4. Event though it is a general
belief that the Etruscans came
first, the real debate is whether
Romans were Etruscans or a
different people entirely
(Latins).
This issue is confusing because early
Roman culture is heavily influenced
by the Etruscans.
Rome was built up on a hill with
walls. This was the same way
Etruscans built their cities.
In other words, its almost a debate
such as “the egg or the chicken” is.
But as the Gauls invaded Rome and
destroyed most of its older records
in the year 390 BC, we may never
know their origin!
5. Government:
They had an oligarchic republic (like
the later Roman Republic, which had
control over everything inside the
state.
They had “tribal” rulers, but they
were actually divided into city-states.
Family
They emphasized on the
monogamous family.
Wealth could be amassed and people
could climb up the social ladder.
The woman had a more prominent
role in society.
6. Religion:
They had a polytheistic
religion, which was related to
any visible event.
Gods could be persuaded to
act in humanity’s favor.
Greek deities were also
assimilated.
Architecture:
It absorbed Greek
architecture, but actually
resembled more of what we
now know as ancient Roman
architecture.
7. Art & Music
They created vases, life-sized
sculptures, bronze mirrors and
other types of metal working.
On many paintings there are
images of people playing
musical instruments.
Language
Knowledge of their language is
far from complete.
In fact, recent discoveries show
that they didn’t call themselves
Etruscans, but they called
themselves “Rasna”.
8. Analyze:
How is Roman and Etruscan history linked?
Describe:
How was Etruscan society shaped?
What kind of government system did they have?
Interpret:
Why did Roman and Greeks look at Etruscan women in
a bad light?
Recall:
How did the Etruscans call themselves?
What is monogamous?
